National Park Service delays plan to close canoe rental business

The Park Service owns most of the property which is located about 100 feet west of the Key Bridge on Water Street NW in Georgetown. Simkin owns a small piece of the land. (Courtesty jacksboathouse.com)

WASHINGTON – After a flood of emails from concerned citizens, the National Park Service has delayed its plan to shut down Jack’s Boathouse the landmark canoe rental service along the Georgetown Waterfront.

“I can assure all those concerned that the boat house operation will continue into the future as it is an important public service,” National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said in a statement.

On December 18, Simkin received a letter from the Park Service saying his lease was being terminated, and he had to be off the property by January 31st.

The Park Service owns most of the property which is located about 100 feet west of the Key Bridge on Water Street NW in Georgetown. Simkin owns a small piece of the land.

“I have directed the staff at the park and the Regional Office to withhold further action on the lease termination until I have conducted a thorough review and determined the best course of action,” Jarvis says further in the statement.

Though, it’s still unclear how long the business will be allowed to operate.

“I am absolutely touched that on the Christmas holiday so many folks made time to email and call the National Park Service and White House to save Jack’s from eviction from its home of 70 years,” Simkin says in a statement to WTOP.

He also thanked Ward-2 (D) Councilman Jack Evans, who held his wedding reception at the boathouse a few years ago.